Various technologies described herein pertain to variable gain amplification for a sensor application. A multistage variable gain amplifier system provides variable gain amplification of an input signal. The multistage variable gain amplifier system includes a plurality of amplification stages. The multistage variable gain amplifier system further includes a power detector configured to detect a power level of an input signal received by the multistage variable gain amplifier system. The multistage variable gain amplifier system also includes a controller configured to control the amplification stages based on the power level of the input signal. The multistage variable gain amplifier system can output an output signal such that the amplification stages are controlled to adjust a gain applied to the input signal by the multistage variable gain amplifier system to output the output signal.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A multistage variable gain amplifier system, comprising: a first amplification stage comprising a first amplifier; a second amplification stage comprising a second amplifier; a power detector configured to detect a power level of an input signal received by the multistage variable gain amplifier system; and a controller configured to control the first amplification stage and the second amplification stage based on the power level of the input signal, the controller is further configured to: compare the power level of the input signal to a first threshold; control the first amplification stage such that the first amplifier is bypassed when the power level of the input signal is above the first threshold and the first amplifier is enabled when the power level is equal to or below the first threshold; compare the power level of the input signal to a second threshold; and control the second amplification stage such that the second amplifier is bypassed when the power level of the input signal is above the second threshold and the second amplifier is enabled when the power level is equal to or below the second threshold; wherein the multistage variable gain amplifier system outputs an output signal such that the first amplification stage and the second amplification stage are controlled to adjust a gain applied to the input signal by the multistage variable gain amplifier system to output the output signal.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system dynamically adjusts amplification based on input signal power to optimize performance. The system includes two amplification stages, each with an amplifier that can be enabled or bypassed. A power detector measures the input signal's power level, and a controller compares this level against two thresholds to determine amplification settings. If the input power exceeds the first threshold, the first amplifier is bypassed; otherwise, it is enabled. Similarly, if the input power exceeds the second threshold, the second amplifier is bypassed; otherwise, it is enabled. The controller adjusts the gain applied to the input signal by selectively enabling or bypassing each stage, ensuring efficient amplification across varying input power levels. This design allows the system to maintain optimal signal quality and power efficiency by dynamically configuring the amplification path based on real-time input conditions. The output signal reflects the combined gain adjustments from both stages, providing a flexible and adaptive amplification solution.
2. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein the first amplification stage and the second amplification stage are in series.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to amplify input signals with adjustable gain across multiple amplification stages. The system includes at least two amplification stages connected in series, where the first amplification stage receives an input signal and amplifies it, and the second amplification stage further amplifies the output of the first stage. Each amplification stage can independently adjust its gain, allowing the overall system to achieve a wide range of amplification levels. The series configuration ensures that the signal passes sequentially through each stage, with the output of one stage serving as the input to the next. This design enables precise control over the amplification process, making it suitable for applications requiring flexible gain adjustment, such as in communication systems, signal processing, or instrumentation. The variable gain capability allows the system to adapt to different signal strengths and conditions, improving signal integrity and performance. The series arrangement simplifies the integration of additional stages if higher gain or more precise control is needed.
3. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein the first amplification stage and the second amplification stage are in parallel.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to amplify input signals with adjustable gain across multiple amplification stages. The system includes at least two amplification stages connected in parallel, allowing independent or combined amplification of the input signal. Each stage can be configured to provide different gain levels, enabling flexible control over the overall amplification. The parallel arrangement allows for selective activation or deactivation of individual stages, optimizing power efficiency and signal quality. By adjusting the gain of each stage independently, the system can achieve a wide dynamic range while minimizing distortion and noise. This configuration is particularly useful in applications requiring precise signal amplification with variable gain, such as communication systems, audio processing, and sensor interfaces. The parallel stages can be controlled dynamically to adapt to changing signal conditions, ensuring consistent performance across different operating environments. The system may also include additional circuitry to manage stage selection, gain adjustment, and signal routing, enhancing its versatility and reliability.
4. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 , further comprising: an integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit comprises the first amplification stage, the second amplification stage, the power detector, and the controller.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to amplify signals with adjustable gain across multiple stages while maintaining signal integrity. The system addresses challenges in signal amplification, such as distortion and power inefficiency, by dynamically adjusting gain levels based on input signal conditions. The system includes a first amplification stage, a second amplification stage, a power detector, and a controller. The power detector measures the signal power at the output of the first amplification stage, and the controller adjusts the gain of the second amplification stage based on the detected power to optimize performance. The entire system is integrated into a single integrated circuit, consolidating all components for compactness and efficiency. This integration reduces signal loss and improves reliability by minimizing external connections and interference. The system is particularly useful in communication devices, where precise signal amplification with low distortion is critical. The integrated design ensures consistent performance across varying operating conditions, making it suitable for high-frequency applications.
5. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein: the first amplification stage further comprises: a first switch; and a first attenuator, wherein the first switch and the first attenuator are in series, wherein the first amplifier is in parallel with the first switch and the first attenuator, wherein the first switch is closed to bypass the first amplifier, and wherein the first switch is opened to enable the first amplifier; and the second amplification stage further comprises: a second switch; and a second attenuator, wherein the second switch and the second attenuator are in series, wherein the second amplifier is in parallel with the second switch and the second attenuator, wherein the second switch is closed to bypass the second amplifier, and wherein the second switch is opened to enable the second amplifier.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to provide adjustable amplification with precise control over signal levels. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining signal integrity while dynamically adjusting gain across multiple amplification stages. The system includes at least two amplification stages, each with an amplifier, a switch, and an attenuator. In each stage, the amplifier is connected in parallel with a series combination of a switch and an attenuator. When the switch is closed, the amplifier is bypassed, and the signal passes through the attenuator, reducing gain. When the switch is opened, the amplifier is enabled, increasing the signal amplification. This configuration allows for independent control of gain in each stage, enabling fine-tuned adjustments to the overall signal level. The system ensures flexibility in signal processing by selectively activating or bypassing amplifiers while incorporating attenuation to manage signal strength. This design is particularly useful in applications requiring precise gain control, such as communication systems, signal conditioning, and measurement instruments.
6. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 5 , wherein: the controller is further configured to: control a first attenuation of the first attenuator based on the power level of the input signal; and control a second attenuation of the second attenuator based on the power level of the input signal.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to dynamically adjust signal amplification across multiple stages to maintain optimal performance in varying input signal conditions. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining signal integrity and preventing distortion or saturation when processing signals with fluctuating power levels. The system includes a first attenuator, a second attenuator, and a controller. The first attenuator is positioned at the input stage to reduce the signal power before amplification, while the second attenuator is placed at a later stage to further refine the signal level. The controller monitors the power level of the input signal and adjusts the attenuation of both attenuators accordingly. By dynamically controlling the first attenuator, the system ensures that the input signal is conditioned to prevent overloading the subsequent amplification stages. The second attenuator is adjusted to fine-tune the signal level after initial amplification, maintaining consistent output power and minimizing distortion. This dual-stage attenuation approach allows the system to handle a wide range of input signal strengths while preserving signal quality. The controller's ability to independently adjust both attenuators based on real-time power measurements ensures robust performance across different operating conditions.
7. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein the first threshold and the second threshold are programmable.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to amplify input signals with adjustable gain levels, addressing the need for flexible amplification in communication and signal processing applications. The system includes multiple amplifier stages, each contributing to the overall gain, and incorporates programmable threshold levels to control the amplification process. These thresholds determine when the amplifier stages activate or adjust their gain, allowing for precise control over signal amplification. By making the first and second thresholds programmable, the system can adapt to different input signal conditions, ensuring optimal performance across varying operating environments. This programmability enhances the amplifier's versatility, enabling it to handle a wide range of signal strengths and dynamic ranges without requiring hardware modifications. The ability to dynamically adjust the thresholds ensures that the amplifier maintains signal integrity and minimizes distortion, making it suitable for applications such as wireless communication, audio processing, and sensor signal conditioning. The programmable thresholds provide users with fine-grained control over the amplifier's behavior, allowing for customization based on specific application requirements. This feature is particularly useful in systems where signal conditions vary frequently or where different amplification profiles are needed for different operational modes.
8. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein: the first amplification stage further comprises a first switch; the second amplification stage further comprises a second switch; and the controller comprises: a first comparator configured to compare the power level of the input signal to the first threshold, the first comparator outputs a first switch signal that sets a first state of the first switch based on a comparison of the power level of the input signal to the first threshold; and a second comparator configured to compare the power level of the input signal to the second threshold, the second comparator outputs a second switch signal that sets a second state of the second switch based on a comparison of the power level of the input signal to the second threshold.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system adjusts amplification levels based on input signal power to optimize performance. The system includes multiple amplification stages, each with a switch controlled by a comparator-based controller. The first amplification stage contains a first switch, and the second amplification stage contains a second switch. The controller uses two comparators to evaluate the input signal's power level against predefined thresholds. The first comparator compares the input signal power to a first threshold and generates a first switch signal to set the first switch's state accordingly. Similarly, the second comparator compares the input signal power to a second threshold and generates a second switch signal to set the second switch's state. This configuration allows dynamic adjustment of amplification stages based on input signal strength, ensuring optimal gain distribution across the system. The switches enable or disable specific amplification paths, enhancing efficiency and signal integrity. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring adaptive amplification, such as communication devices and signal processing systems, where maintaining signal quality across varying input levels is critical.
9. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein: the controller is further configured to: control a first gain of the first amplifier based on the power level of the input signal; and control a second gain of the second amplifier based on the power level of the input signal.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to dynamically adjust signal amplification in communication or signal processing applications where input signal power levels vary. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining signal integrity and avoiding distortion or saturation when processing signals with fluctuating power levels. The system includes at least two amplifier stages, each with adjustable gain, and a controller that regulates the gain of each stage independently based on the input signal's power level. The first amplifier's gain is adjusted to handle initial amplification, while the second amplifier's gain is also controlled to fine-tune the overall amplification. This dual-stage approach allows for precise control over the signal's dynamic range, ensuring optimal performance across different input conditions. The controller monitors the input signal's power level and adjusts the gains of both amplifiers accordingly, preventing signal clipping or excessive noise. This configuration is particularly useful in applications such as wireless communication, audio processing, or sensor signal conditioning, where maintaining signal quality is critical. The system ensures efficient power usage and minimizes distortion by dynamically adapting to varying input signal strengths.
10. The multistage variable gain amplifier of claim 1 configured to receive the input signal from a photodetector of a lidar sensor system.
A multistage variable gain amplifier is designed for use in lidar sensor systems, specifically to amplify signals received from a photodetector. The amplifier includes multiple amplification stages, each with adjustable gain settings, allowing dynamic control over the amplification level. This configuration enables the system to handle varying signal strengths, compensating for differences in distance, reflectivity, or environmental conditions. The amplifier's variable gain ensures that weak signals from distant or low-reflectivity objects are sufficiently amplified while preventing saturation from strong signals. The design may incorporate feedback mechanisms to automatically adjust gain based on input signal characteristics, improving signal fidelity and measurement accuracy. By integrating this amplifier into a lidar system, the overall performance is enhanced, particularly in applications requiring high sensitivity and dynamic range, such as autonomous vehicles, industrial sensing, or environmental monitoring. The amplifier's adaptability ensures reliable detection and ranging across diverse operating conditions.
11. The multistage variable gain amplifier of claim 1 configured to output the output signal to an analog to digital converter of a lidar sensor system.
A multistage variable gain amplifier is designed for use in lidar sensor systems, where precise signal amplification is critical for accurate distance measurements. The amplifier includes multiple amplification stages, each with adjustable gain settings, allowing dynamic adjustment of the overall gain to accommodate varying signal strengths from the lidar sensor. This adaptability ensures that weak signals are sufficiently amplified while preventing saturation from strong signals, improving the dynamic range and accuracy of the lidar system. The amplifier's output is directly connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which digitizes the amplified signal for further processing. By integrating the amplifier with the ADC, the system minimizes noise and distortion, enhancing the fidelity of the converted digital signal. The variable gain feature is particularly useful in lidar applications where environmental conditions, such as varying reflectivity of objects or atmospheric interference, can cause significant fluctuations in the received signal strength. The amplifier's design ensures consistent performance across different operating conditions, making it suitable for high-precision lidar applications in autonomous vehicles, industrial sensing, and environmental monitoring.
12. The multistage variable gain amplifier of claim 1 , wherein the power detector is a root mean square (RMS) detector.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system includes a power detector integrated into the amplifier stages to monitor and adjust signal amplification dynamically. The power detector is specifically configured as a root mean square (RMS) detector, which measures the average power of the input signal by calculating the square root of the mean of the squared signal values. This RMS detection method provides a more accurate representation of the signal's power compared to peak or average detectors, particularly for signals with varying amplitudes. The amplifier system adjusts its gain stages based on the detected power levels to maintain signal integrity and prevent distortion or clipping. The RMS detector ensures precise power measurement, enabling the amplifier to respond effectively to fluctuations in input signal strength, which is critical in applications requiring high dynamic range and signal fidelity, such as wireless communication systems, audio processing, and sensor interfaces. The integration of the RMS detector within the amplifier stages allows for real-time adjustments, improving overall system performance and reliability.
13. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 being included in a lidar sensor system of an autonomous vehicle.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is used in lidar sensor systems for autonomous vehicles to enhance signal detection and processing. The system includes multiple amplifier stages with adjustable gain settings, allowing dynamic adjustment of amplification levels based on input signal strength. This ensures optimal signal-to-noise ratio across varying environmental conditions, such as changes in ambient light or target reflectivity. The amplifier stages are cascaded, with each stage contributing to the overall gain while minimizing distortion and noise. The system also incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust gain settings in real-time, improving accuracy and reliability of lidar measurements. By integrating this amplifier system into an autonomous vehicle's lidar sensor, the vehicle can achieve more precise distance and object detection, enhancing navigation and safety. The design addresses challenges in lidar signal processing, such as handling weak or strong reflections and maintaining consistent performance in diverse operating environments. The variable gain functionality ensures adaptability to different scenarios, reducing errors in distance measurements and improving overall system efficiency.
14. A multistage variable gain amplifier system, comprising: a first amplification stage, comprising: a first amplifier; a first switch; and a first attenuator, wherein the first switch and the first attenuator are in series, and wherein the first amplifier is in parallel with the first switch and the first attenuator; a second amplification stage in series with the first amplification stage, the second amplification stage comprising: a second amplifier; a second switch; and a second attenuator, wherein the second switch and the second attenuator are in series, and wherein the second amplifier is in parallel with the second switch and the second attenuator; a power detector configured to detect a power level of an input signal received by the multistage variable gain amplifier system; a first comparator configured to compare the power level of the input signal to a first threshold, the first comparator outputs a first switch signal that sets a first state of the first switch based on a comparison of the power level of the input signal to the first threshold; and a second comparator configured to compare the power level of the input signal to a second threshold, the second comparator outputs a second switch signal that sets a second state of the second switch based on a comparison of the power level of the input signal to the second threshold; wherein the first amplification stage and the second amplification stage apply an adjustable gain to the input signal, and wherein the multistage variable gain amplifier system outputs an output signal based on the input signal.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to dynamically adjust signal amplification based on input power levels, ensuring optimal performance in applications requiring precise signal control. The system includes two amplification stages, each containing an amplifier, a switch, and an attenuator. The first stage comprises a first amplifier, a first switch, and a first attenuator, with the switch and attenuator connected in series and the amplifier in parallel. The second stage, connected in series with the first, includes a second amplifier, a second switch, and a second attenuator, similarly arranged. A power detector measures the input signal's power level, which is compared against two thresholds by two comparators. The first comparator generates a control signal to set the state of the first switch, determining whether the first amplifier or the first attenuator is active. The second comparator similarly controls the second switch based on a different threshold. This configuration allows the system to apply variable gain to the input signal, adjusting amplification or attenuation in each stage to produce an output signal with controlled power levels. The design ensures flexibility in signal processing, accommodating varying input conditions while maintaining signal integrity.
15. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 1 , wherein: the first comparator outputs the first switch signal that causes the first switch to be closed to bypass the first amplifier when the power level of the input signal is above the first threshold and causes the first switch to be opened to enable the first amplifier when the power level of the input signal is equal to or below the first threshold; and the second comparator outputs the second switch signal that causes the second switch to be closed to bypass the second amplifier when the power level of the input signal is above the second threshold and causes the second switch to be opened to enable the second amplifier when the power level of the input sigla is equal to or below the second threshold.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system dynamically adjusts amplification based on input signal power levels to optimize performance. The system includes multiple amplifier stages, each with a comparator and a bypass switch. The first comparator monitors the input signal power and generates a control signal to either bypass or enable the first amplifier stage. When the input signal power exceeds a predefined first threshold, the comparator closes the bypass switch, effectively disabling the first amplifier. Conversely, when the input signal power is at or below the first threshold, the comparator opens the bypass switch, enabling the first amplifier to amplify the signal. Similarly, the second comparator controls the second amplifier stage based on a second threshold. If the input signal power exceeds the second threshold, the second comparator closes the bypass switch, bypassing the second amplifier. If the power is at or below the second threshold, the comparator opens the bypass switch, enabling the second amplifier. This adaptive amplification ensures efficient power handling and signal integrity across varying input conditions. The system dynamically configures the amplifier stages to maintain optimal performance while minimizing power consumption and distortion.
16. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 14 , wherein a first attenuation of the first attenuator is controlled based on the power level of the input signal and a second attenuation of the second attenuator is controlled based on the power level of the input signal.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to dynamically adjust signal amplification across multiple stages to maintain optimal performance in varying input signal conditions. The system includes at least two attenuators, each capable of independently adjusting attenuation levels. The first attenuator modifies the input signal's power level before amplification, while the second attenuator further refines the signal after initial amplification. Both attenuators are controlled based on the power level of the input signal, ensuring precise gain adjustment to prevent distortion or saturation. This dual-stage attenuation allows for fine-tuned control over the signal's dynamic range, improving linearity and reducing noise. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring high dynamic range, such as wireless communication, radar, and signal processing, where input signal levels can vary significantly. By dynamically adjusting attenuation in response to input power, the amplifier system maintains consistent output quality while minimizing power consumption and distortion. The design ensures robust performance across a wide range of operating conditions, enhancing signal integrity and system reliability.
17. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 14 , wherein the first threshold and the second threshold are programmable.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed to amplify input signals with adjustable gain levels, addressing the need for precise signal amplification in applications where signal strength varies dynamically. The system includes multiple amplification stages, each contributing to the overall gain, and incorporates programmable threshold levels to control the gain adjustment process. These thresholds determine when the gain is increased or decreased, allowing the system to adapt to changing input signal conditions. By making the first and second thresholds programmable, the system can be customized for different operating environments, ensuring optimal performance across various applications. This flexibility enhances the amplifier's versatility, making it suitable for use in communication systems, sensor interfaces, and other signal processing applications where adaptive gain control is essential. The programmable thresholds enable fine-tuning of the amplifier's response, improving signal integrity and reducing distortion. The system's design ensures efficient amplification while maintaining stability and minimizing power consumption, making it a robust solution for modern signal processing needs.
18. The multistage variable gain amplifier system of claim 14 configured to receive the input signal from a photodetector of a lidar sensor system and configured to output the output signal to an analog to digital converter of the lidar sensor system.
A multistage variable gain amplifier system is designed for lidar sensor systems to amplify weak optical signals from a photodetector before digitization. The system addresses the challenge of processing low-power signals from lidar returns, which can vary significantly in amplitude due to factors like distance and reflectivity. The amplifier includes multiple amplification stages, each with adjustable gain settings, allowing dynamic adjustment to optimize signal quality across different operating conditions. The system ensures that the amplified output signal maintains sufficient dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio for accurate analog-to-digital conversion. The input signal is received directly from a photodetector, which converts reflected laser pulses into electrical signals, and the amplified output is fed to an analog-to-digital converter for further processing. The variable gain stages enable real-time adaptation to signal variations, improving detection sensitivity and measurement accuracy in lidar applications. This configuration enhances the system's ability to handle diverse environmental and operational scenarios, ensuring reliable performance in autonomous navigation, mapping, and other lidar-based applications.
19. A method of controlling amplification of a multistage variable gain amplifier system of a sensor system, comprising: detecting a power level of an input signal received at the multistage variable gain amplifier system of the sensor system; comparing the power level of the input signal to a first threshold; selectively enabling or bypassing a first amplifier of a first amplification stage of the multistage variable gain amplifier system based on a comparison of the power level of the input signal to the first threshold; comparing the power level of the input signal to a second threshold; and selectively enabling or bypassing a second amplifier of a second amplification stage of the multistage variable gain amplifier system based on a comparison of the power level of the input signal to the second threshold.
The invention relates to a method for controlling amplification in a multistage variable gain amplifier system used in sensor systems. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and adaptive amplification of input signals to ensure optimal signal processing while preventing saturation or distortion. The method involves detecting the power level of an input signal received by the amplifier system. The detected power level is compared to a first threshold to determine whether to enable or bypass a first amplifier in the first amplification stage. Similarly, the power level is compared to a second threshold to decide whether to enable or bypass a second amplifier in the second amplification stage. This selective activation or bypassing of amplifiers in different stages allows the system to dynamically adjust gain based on the input signal strength, ensuring proper amplification without overloading the system. The method ensures that the amplifier stages are used only when necessary, improving efficiency and performance in sensor applications.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the first threshold and the second threshold are programmable.
A system and method for adaptive threshold control in electronic devices addresses the challenge of optimizing performance and power efficiency by dynamically adjusting operational thresholds. The invention involves a processing unit that monitors system parameters such as temperature, voltage, or performance metrics to determine whether to adjust operational thresholds. The thresholds define boundaries for triggering actions like performance scaling, power management, or error correction. The system includes a programmable interface that allows the first and second thresholds to be configured based on user preferences, environmental conditions, or system requirements. This programmability enables fine-tuning of the thresholds to balance performance, power consumption, and reliability. The thresholds can be adjusted in real-time or during system initialization, providing flexibility for different use cases. The method ensures that the thresholds remain effective under varying operating conditions, improving overall system efficiency and responsiveness. The invention is applicable in computing devices, embedded systems, and other electronic systems where adaptive threshold control is beneficial.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
April 24, 2020
March 8, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.